FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bleeding or Oozing – Intermittent bleeding or oozing overnight is normal. Bleeding should never be severe. If so, it usually means that the packs are being clenched between teeth. Try repositioning the packs. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in very hot water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 to 30 min. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

• A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 2-3 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

• To avoid developing dry socket, follow these guidelines:

• Smoking should be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks as it slows down the healing process.

• Do not use a straw.

• Do not forcefully spit.

• Do not use the irrigating syringes until the 5th syringe do not eat anything with very small pieces that could become lodged in the extraction site (e.g. small noodles, lentils, popcorn, chips etc).

• Each case is individual. No two patients are exactly alike. Patients should not accept well-
intended advice from friends. Any problems should be discussed with the people who are best able to effectively help: Dr. Jenkins and his surgical staff.

Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., which may get lodged in the socket areas. This may lead to infection, which then can cause a dry socket.

• As is the case with any surgery, infection in the site is possible. The reason for infection is bacteria.

• Depending on the severity of the tooth that was removed. The doctor may have prescribed an antibiotic to take, which will largely reduce the potential risk of infection. In some cases, however antibiotics may not be able to prevent an infection.

• If you begin to run a fever or notice a foul smell or discharge coming from the area, contact our office immediately at 801-437-7701.

• If you are given a prescription for pain medicine make sure to take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off. This will help manage the discomfort you may feel after surgery.

• The effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement each pain pill with an analgesic, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Some patients may require two of the pain pills at one time. Remember that the most severe pain is usually within 6 hours after the local anesthetic wears off, after that your need for medicine should lessen.

• If you find you are taking large amounts of pain medicine at frequent intervals, please call our office. If you anticipate needing more prescription medication for the weekend, you must call for a refill during weekday business hours at 801-437-7701.

To keep swelling to a minimum, you may use an ice pack, ice bag or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel and applied over the area, 20 min. on and 20 min. off.